Quarry is permitted to continue operations after 2022
PLANNING chiefs have backed plans for works to continue at a quarry, despite opposition from neighbours.
Thompsons of Prudhoe Ltd had applied to continue its recycling operations at Springwell Quarry, which includes importing, sorting, crushing and screening non-hazardous materials.
Construction, demolition and excavation waste is currently transported to the quarry and transformed into aggregate for construction projects or for onward recycling.
With existing permissions for the quarry expected to lapse in February 2022, developers applied to continue works at the site alongside the storage of primary aggregate, production of concrete and some land filling.
The application was presented to Sunderland City Council’s Planning and Highways (West) Committee for decision at a virtual meeting.
Around 69 objections were lodged against the plans, including comments from Springwell Village Residents Association and an objection letter signed by 25 residents.
Concerns ranged from dust, noise, traffic and mud on roads to impacts on heritage assets such as the Bowes Railway.
However, council planners said the works extension was acceptable and recommended the plans for approval.
Meanwhile, Historic England added operations were “not likely to cause substantial harm to [the Bowes Railway’s] setting, nor significance.”
Since the application was received in 2016, quarry bosses have put several measures in place in conjunction with the Environment Agency to minimise the impact of the site.
Additional works, as part of the planning application, include road resurfacing to the east of the site to reduce dust and noise and the construction of a ‘screening bund’ to the south. As well as reducing noise, this would stop the quarry from being visible at the Bowes Railway.
Council planners said no direct complaints had been lodged with the planning authority about issues at the quarry but that there would be a raft of enforceable conditions to keep the development in check.
This includes the applicant producing an updated dust management plan within six months.
Measures have also been put in place to reduce the ecological impacts on great crested newts.
The committee approved the application by four to three.